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October 26, 2012

Virginia Peninsula Jewish Film Festival Kicks Off in November at Colonial Williamsburg’s Kimball Theatre

The Virginia Peninsula Jewish Film Festival opens in November with ‘Kaddish for a Friend’ at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3. Following the film, attendees are invited to celebrate with the festival committee at a dessert reception in the atrium of the Henry Street Shops.

After growing up in a Palestinian refugee camp, 14-year-old Ali’s family relocates to Berlin, where he attempts to fit in with the other Arab boys on his street including his cousin. After breaking into the home of his elderly neighbor to impress the gang, Ali realizes that the old man is a Jew. Ali’s mother is terrified of being deported if her son is charged with robbery, forcing Ali to put aside years of prejudice and seek forgiveness from his enemy. Not rated. Arabic/German/Russian/Hebrew with subtitles. Following the film, celebrate with the festival committee at a dessert reception in the atrium of the Henry Street Shops. Tickets for opening night are $20, which includes a dessert reception.

At 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 4, ‘A Bottle in the Gaza Sea’ explores the lives of Tai, a 17-year-old Israeli living in Jerusalem, and Naim, a 20-year-old Palestinian living in Gaza, who develop a correspondence thanks to a bottle that Tai throws into the sea. She hopes to prove that there can be something other than hate between Israelis and Palestinians and is pleased when Naim answers her letter. Although the two continue to develop a relationship via e-mail, the political turmoil and dangerous reality of living in warring countries both distances the two and allows them to lean on each other for strength. French/Hebrew/Arabic with subtitles. Not rated. Tickets to the Nov. 4 showing are $7.50 for adults and $6.50 for seniors and students.

This event begins with a complimentary Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Social at 2 p.m. courtesy of the Salzman family.

Upcoming attractions in the Virginia Peninsula Jewish Film Festival include: